Review: Nissan Z33.I 350Z (2002-05)

Overview

Released in December 2002, the Nissan Z33 Series I (Z33.I) 350Z was initially available as a coupe, with convertibles following in October 2003. Manufactured in Oppama (2002-03) and Tochigi (2003-05), Japan, the rear-wheel drive 350Z was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (Nissan’s VQ35DE). While the coupe models were available as Touring and Track variants, the convertibles were offered in a single variant.

VQ35DE engine

The 3.5-litre VQ35DE engine had an aluminium block, aluminium heads, four valves per cylinder, double overhead cams, variable valve timing, forged steel connecting rods, a microfinished one-piece forged crankshaft, low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons and a high-flow tuned induction system.

Transmission choices consisted of five-speed automatic or six-speed manual units.

Dimensions

Effectively replacing the Z32 300ZX , albeit with a six year hiatus for the Australian market, the Z33 350Z was built on Nissan’s FM platform. The 350Z coupe models were 4315 mm long, 1815 mm wide, 1320 mm tall and had a 2650 mm long wheelbase; the convertible models had the same vehicle and wheelbase lengths, but were 3 mm wider (at 1818 mm) and 9 mm taller (1329 mm). 

Suspension

The 350Z had independent, multi-link suspension front and rear with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll bars.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the 350Z included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The coupe models were also fitted with curtain airbags, while the Track variants were fitted with electronic stability control.

From February 2005, the convertible was equipped with electronic stability control and the Brembo braking package.

Brakes

The 350Z Touring variants and 350Z convertible models were fitted with 296 mm by 24 mm ventilated front brake discs and 292 mm by 21 mm ventilated rear discs.

The 350Z Track, however, had a Brembo braking system which consisted of 324 mm by 30 mm ventilated front discs with four-piston calipers and 322 mm by 22 mm ventilated rear discs with twin-piston calipers. 

Features: 350Z Coupe

Standard features for the 350Z Touring included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/50 R17 94W front and 235/50 R17 96W rear tyres, a seven speaker Bose sound system (including subwoofer) with a six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.

As standard, the 350Z was also fitted with a viscous limited slip rear differential.

The 350Z Track was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R18 91W front and 245/45 R18 96W rear tyres, stiffer suspension and spoilers (front and rear).

Features: 350Z Convertible

Compared to the Touring coupe, the 350Z Convertible was similarly equipped but added 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R18 91W front and 245/45 R18 96W rear tyres, a heated glass rear window and wind deflector.

The 350Z Convertible’s power-operated soft-top roof with a three-step locking mechanism, and could extend or retract in around 20 seconds. When lowered, the top was stowed away under a lightweight composite cover to be hidden from view.

February 2005: 350Z update

In February 2005, the range underwent a minor update; the manual transmissions were upgraded for easier shifts and the automatics featured ‘Downshift Rev Matching’, adjusting the engine’s revolutions when changing gears to the exact speed of the next gear position for smoother downshifts. Standard features were also extended to include heated door mirrors, polished faux-aluminium interior highlights and soft-feel materials; new material was also used for the construction of the convertible’s soft-top roof.

2005 350Z Coupe 35^thAnniversary

In February 2005, a limited-run 35^thAnniversary 350Z Coupe was released; this model was fitted with a revised engine which produced peak power and torque of 221 kW at 6400 rpm and 353 Nm at 4800 rpm, and was solely available with a six-speed manual transmission. Like the Track variants, the 35th Anniversary coupe was also fitted with Brembo brakes and electronic stability control.

With respect to features, the 35th Anniversary variant was distinguished by its 18-inch alloys, black leather seats and dedicated colour range (including Black Obsidian, Pewter and Ultra Yellow).

Related links

• Specifications: Nissan Z33 350Z Coupe (October 2002)

Review: Nissan Z33.II 350Z (2005-07)

Overview

Released in December 2005, the Nissan Z33 Series II (Z33.II) 350Z introduced a revised line-up, more powerful engine for manual models, modified suspension and improved equipment levels. The convertible was available in Touring and Track variants, with automatic and manual transmissions respectively. Similarly, the Track coupe was only available with a manual transmission.

Visually, the Z33.II 350Z could be identified by its redesigned front bumper, xenon headlights, LED combination tail-lights and 18-inch aluminium wheels which were fitted as standard across the range. Inside, the interior featured greater use of soft-touch materials and aluminium highlights, repositioned switches and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment for the Z33.II 350Z was substantially the same as its predecessor, though only Track variants were fitted with electronic stability control.

Review: Nissan Z33.III 350Z (2007-09)

Overview

Released in May 2007, the Z33 Series III (Z33.III) 350Z introduced Nissan’s more powerful VQ35HR engine. With over 80 per cent of its major parts redesigned, the engine utilised a dual intake system with variable valve timing, increased compression ratio and the addition of a common length exhaust manifold for reduced back pressure. Visually, the Z33.III could be identified by its ‘power bulge’ bonnet and was fitted with Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

Safety equipment and features

Safety equipment and features were substantially the same as the Z33.II 350Z.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Nissan Z33 350Z

Recalls: Nissan Z33 350Z

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Nissan Z33 350Z

No recall information is available for the Nissan Z33 350Z. To search for recalls of Nissan models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Nissan.

Problems and faults: Nissan Z33 350Z

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

2005-06 Nissan 350Z: excessive oil consumption

In July 2010, Nissan North America issued Technical Bulletin NTB07-088d for the following vehicles:

• 2005 Nissan 350Z Track and 35th Anniversary Edition models with manual transmissions; and,
• 2006 Nissan 350Z models with manual transmissions.

According to the bulletin, these vehicles may experience a low engine oil level due to excessive oil consumption or an ‘unusual’ engine noise. However, ‘unusual’ was not explained or defined in the bulletin.

To determine if the vehicle’s oil consumption was excessive, the oil was to be topped up and an oil level check performed between 1000 and 3750 miles (1609 km and 6034 km). The technical bulletin described that the oil level was to be measured in millimetres from the ‘High’ mark on the dipstick; based on the RevUp Oil Consumption and TSB discussion, the following thresholds constitute excessive oil consumption:

• At 1000 miles (1609 kilometres), 8 mm on the dipstick corresponded to oil consumption of 0.33 quarts or 315 ml;
• At 2000 miles (3218 kilometres), 14 mm on the dipstick corresponded to oil consumption of 0.58 quarts or 549 ml; and,
• At 3000 miles (4827 kilometres), 23 mm on the dipstick corresponded to oil consumption of 0.958 quarts or 906 ml.

If there was excessive oil consumption or the engine made an ‘unusual’ noise, then the short engine assembly was to be replaced.

2003-05 Nissan 350Z: clicking noise from rear axles

In November 2005, Nissan North America issued Nissan Technical Bulletin 04-065b for 2003-05 model year Nissan Z33 350Z Coupe and Roadster vehicles. According to the technical bulletin, the driver may notice a ‘clicking’ noise from the left and/or right rear axle (driveshaft) when accelerating from rest. To fix, the following procedure was to be applied to the side of the rear axle which was making the clicking noise:

• Remove the driveshaft;
• Clean the flange surface of the outer joint on the driveshaft; and,
• Apply a moderate coat of Molykote M77 grease.

Manual transmission

• For the Nissan 350Z’s manual transmission, graunching noises and difficulty shifting from first to second gear – particularly just after start-up when the transmission is cold – are likely to be due to worn synchromesh.
• Depending on use, the clutch may require replacement every 60,000 kms. When replacing the clutch, the flywheel may also require replacement.
• A soft or spongy clutch pedal may be due to a failed seal inside the clutch slave cylinder, requiring replacement of the cylinder.
• Compared to its rivals, the Nissan 350Z has a heavy gear change.

Suspension and wheels

• The compression bushes in the ‘banana’ arms of the Nissan 350’z front suspension wear over time. If detected early, only the bushes need to be replaced and it is recommended that uprated bushes be fitted. If left unchecked, however, the front suspension arms need to be removed and replaced.
• Creaking noises as the Nissan 350Z drives over bumps at low speed may be fixed by replacing the rear drop links.
• Clicking noises from the rear wheels may be due to premature wear of the rear constant-velocity (CV) joints at the outer axle ends.

Engine sensor replacement

In December 2003, Nissan USA issued service bulletin NTB03-124 for 2003 Nissan Z33 350Z vehicles which had VINs in the range JN1AZ*4**3T 000001 to JN1AZ*4**3T 100167. According to the bulletin, the engine in these vehicles might stop while the vehicle is being driven if the crank position sensor or cam position sensor failed; this could also result in reduced engine power or the ‘Service Engine Soon’ light illuminating. As part of service campaign R3022, the crankshaft position and camshaft position sensors were to be replaced.

Other problems and faults: Nissan Z33 350Z

• Knocking or ticking noises from the Nissan 350Z’s engine when idling may be attributable to pulses in the fuel line – a revised damper and hose were released for this problem. 
• After servicing to clean the throttle body, the idle speed may become too high due to the computer having adopted the old idle air value; to fix, the computer’s values must be reset.
• For coupe models, the rear hatch may not pop-up when the release is activated due to weakened lift springs (near the gas-charged supports).
• The power windows may cease to function if the battery is disconnected or the window fuse blows, requiring the windows to be reprogrammed.
• Using brake pads other than the original non-asbestos organic linings may result in brake noises or a difference in braking feel.

Released in December 2002, the Nissan Z33 Series I (Z33.I) 350Z was initially available as a coupe, with convertibles following in October 2003. Manufactured in Oppama (2002-03) and Tochigi (2003-05), Japan, the rear-wheel drive 350Z was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (Nissan’s VQ35DE). While the coupe models were available as Touring and Track variants, the convertibles were offered in a single variant… Read full Nissan Z33 350Z review

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Images: Nissan Z33.II 350Z (2005-07)

Released in December 2005, the Nissan Z33 Series II (Z33.II) 350Z introduced a revised line-up, more powerful engine for manual models, modified suspension and improved equipment levels. The 350Z Roadster was available in Touring and Track variants, with automatic and manual transmissions respectively. Similarly, the Track coupe was only available with a manual transmission. The Nissan Z33.II 350Z could be identified by its redesigned front bumper, xenon headlights, LED combination tail-lights and 18-inch aluminium wheels which were fitted as standard across the range. Inside, the interior featured greater use of soft-touch materials and aluminium highlights, repositioned switches and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

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Images: Nissan Z33.III 350Z (2007-09)

Released in May 2007, the Nissan Z33 Series III (Z33.III) 350Z introduced Nissan’s more powerful VQ35HR engine. With over 80 per cent of its major parts redesigned, the engine utilised a dual intake system with variable valve timing, increased compression ratio and the addition of a common length exhaust manifold for reduced back pressure. The Nissan Z33.III 350Z could be identified by its ‘power bulge’ bonnet and was fitted with Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

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